Baptism

Would you like to have your child baptized? Are you considering it for yourself?

At St. John’s, baptism is the symbolic way we welcome a child or adult into new life in a community of Christians. It is the beginning of a lifetime commitment to God, to the church and to the people in it.

We conduct the sacrament of baptism during a regular worship service. During the ceremony, everyone in the congregation pledges support for the child and his or her parents. The parents themselves take vows to raise their child within the church family. Generally, we expect that one or both parents will be members or adherents of this church, or will have been active at a previous church.

Baptism is not a requirement for God's love. Baptism is not something we do in order to be saved, but it's something we do because we are saved. In baptism, you will be blessed with holy water, and die to an old way of life. The water represents you beginning a life with God.

Baptism in the United Church is recognized by all denominations of the Christian church that practise infant baptism. Similarly, if people have already been baptized in another church, we recognize their baptism and welcome them as Christians.

To speak to the minister about baptism for you or your child, please call the Office Administrator at 905-877-2531.